Synonyms of preliminary

preliminary 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈli-mə-ˌner-ē 

as in preparatory

coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows

we need to do some preliminary research in order to properly focus the experiment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• preparatory
• introductory
• primary
• beginning
• prefatory
• preparative
• prelim
• precursory
• basic
• preparing
• early
• prelusive
• previous
• fundamental
• introducing
• elementary
• warning
• premonitory
• prior
• preceding
• readying
• prefacing
• ahead
• former

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• following
• subsequent
• after
• behind

preliminary

2 of 2

noun

as in prelude

a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event

a meeting to discuss seating arrangements that was merely a preliminary to the formal negotiating sessions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prelude
• overture
• prologue
• preamble
• warm-up
• curtain-raiser
• lead-in
• start
• countdown
• kickoff
• run-up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preliminary

Adjective

Sacramento Fire Department issued 70 citations including the ticket in Del Paso, and $300,000 in fines, on July 4 alone, Sylvia said, citing preliminary totals. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Kalshi has lost some other notable decisions, including a 6th Circuit appeals court ruling in which judges refused to grant a preliminary injunction against Ohio gambling laws. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026

Noun

Tickets to the mixed archery preliminary set me back $110 each, then $85 each for the mixed equestrian preliminary. — Personal Finance Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Apr. 2026

The hockey playoffs weren’t affected by the storm and are expected to start on March 2 with Division II preliminaries. — Jacob Rousseau, The Providence Journal, 26 Feb. 2026